The Interview

6/1/2020 5:33 PM

Overview

• Interview Tips

• What to bring to an Interview

• What not to bring to an Interview

• Example Interview Questions

• Acceptable vs. Unacceptable Questions

• Interview Methods

• Dress for success – business professional (suit) unless told otherwise

• Arrive a few minutes early – do not “check in” earlier than 15minutes; do not hang out in the lobby and be on your cell phone

• Keep it positive – Be careful not to criticize past employers or blame,use positive examples of how “you” learned from the experience andhow that translates with the new employment opportunity

• Be aware of nonverbal communication – body language that projectspositive and indicates interest, be aware of fidgeting, crossing your armsduring questions and finger pointing

• Practice good posture – sit up straight, lean slightly forward, look interviewerin the eye, smile and engage and nod slightly as he or she is speaking

• Be friendly to everyone you meet – acknowledge and be professional, younever know who may be in the elevator or lobby and have input in the hiringdecision

Interview Tips

• The first impression you make at a job interview is going to be the most important one. Be aware of strong odors, including body and cologne/perfume products.

• Project a confident voice during introductions and use the interviewer name

• Have at least three strong points about yourself that you are ready to make when appropriate

• Research the company and the opportunity so you can relate and ask good questions

• Don’t bring up pay and benefits in first interview unless interviewer bringsup the topic

• Don’t eat or chew gum

• Be sure to get interviewer business card(s) and make sure to send a follow up letter within 24 hours of interview

Interview Tips

What to bring to an interview

• Location directions so you are not late – do a dry run or map out theroute during the time of day of the interview so traffic patterns will bethe same

• Contact information for the person you are meeting

• Identification in case of check in with security

• Notepad and pen

• Extra copies of resume – recommend around 5 copies on hand

• A list of questions to ask at the end of the interview – based on researchrecommended earlier

What not to bring to an interview

• Family member(s) or guest(s)

• Gum or other food and drink items – if offered a drink, ok to accept

• Electronic Devices – Computer or Cell Phone not recommended

• Negative attitude

• Reading materials

• Competitor’s Products

• Caps/Hats

• Pets unless it is a Certified Service Animal

Example Interview questions

• Tell me about yourself. This is an open ended opportunity for youto give a general summary of your professional experience

• Why should we hire you? Give some specifics about why you feelyou would be a good fit for the particular position and company

• What is your greatest strength? Highlight a particular area that relatesto the job, but don’t overexaggerate. Be prepared to then explain whyit is a strength or give an example.

• What were the responsibilities of your last position? Describe in generaland the interviewer may prompt for specific areas.

• How do you handle stress and pressure? Remain calm with this question!Talk about a situation and how you were able to deliver a positive outcome.

Example Interview questions

• Describe a difficult work situation and or project and how youovercame it? Same as above.

• What are three positive things your last boss would say about you?Have examples ready from a recent performance evaluation if possible.

• What are your salary expectations? Be careful on how this question isanswered. Try to determine what the salary range is for the positioninterviewing for. Give a range that is acceptable for you.

• Do you have questions for me/us? Same as recommended earlier,research company and have 2-3 ready.

Unacceptable Questions

There are some questions you should not answer, such as marital status, nationality, age. If you are asked, give them a professional response, such as, “I am not comfortable answering this question. It has no bearing on my ability to do the job.”

• What does your spouse do for a living?• Do you have transportation?• Where do you live?• How long will your commute be?• How many children do you have?• Are you pregnant? When are you due?

EXCEPTION: Bona fide Occupational Qualification (BFOQ) – A characteristic or attribute required for a job that could be considered discrimination if it were not necessary to perform the job in question, or if the job were unsafe for one category of people but not another.

If you are applying for a bartender position, it is okay to be asked if you meet the age requirements.

Acceptable vs. Unacceptable Questions

Acceptable Question Not an Acceptable Question

The location and hours for this position is XYZ. Will you be able to work at that location and those hours?

Do you have transportation?Where do you live?

This position requires travel. Are you able to travel?

Will your family be okay with you traveling for this position?

The hours for this position are 8 – 5, are you able to work these hours?

Do you have daycare arrangements to be able to work these hours?

STAR Interview Method

• The STAR method is a tool for answering situational or behavioralbased questions

• STAR is an acronym that stands for:

• Situation: Set the scene and give the necessary details of yourexample.

• Task: Describe what your responsibility was in that situation.• Action: Explain exactly what steps you took to address it.• Result: Share what outcomes your actions achieved.